Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-11-12

The Probable Outcome.
SECRETARY LAMAR SAYS HE HAS RECEIVED NO REPLY
10 HIS LETTER
The letter Of Secretary Lamar to Land Commis-
sioner Sparks was the prevailing topic of CONVEX
sation In the Interior Department to-day, and the
tary Lamar was at hist ONCE early In the day,
attending to business. He said to STAR reporter
that he had received no reply from Mr.. sparks
in response to the letter Of the Secretary hand In
his resignation. although some think that he will
not resign and will compel his removal The
master General Villas were In conference with the
President yesterday, and 1t Is believed that the
letter was the subject considered. This, taken In
connection with the rumOred transfer OF Mr.. Villas
to the Interior Department In the event OF the
confirmation OF Secretary Lamar as justice of the
supreme Court, indicates purpose on the part OF
the Administration TO clear the way for Mr.. Villas
when he assumes charge OF the Department.
THE ACTION OF THE SECRETARY COMMENDED By
OFFICIALS.
The of1cials In the Department generally ap-
prove OF the action of the Secretary and one promi
nent division chief said to STAR reporter: .'There
framed and sent to some Of the other bureau
chiefa For instance, when the Secretary says,
Tn no other way can the functions Of a great pub
the chief TO command and the subOrdinates to
Ouey.' There are other bureau chiefs to whom
this would apply with almost equal force as to Mr.
Another onicial said that the gentleness and
goodness Of heart Of the Secretary has prevented
him nom taking this action before, to the injury Of
At the Land once there was nothing to be
learned - TO the probable course OF Mr.. Sparks.
As to the position Of Commissioner Sparks inQuir-
ers were referred to his letters to the secretary
the Omaha Railroad matter, which It was claimed
fully sut forth the attitude Of Mr.. Sparks.
THR HISTORY OF THD NATTER
b simply this. In August last Commissioner
Sparks, In response to request for the Secretary
to adjust the land grants Of the Chicago st. Paul,
Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad Company, made
an adjustment OF the grant, In his adjustment,
not entitled toindemnity Tor Losses sustained with
In the granted limits BY reason OF prior grants
and reservations On october 2, after o careful
examination OF the questions involved, and after
hearing arguments from counsel OF the road, the
he directed the Commissioner to forthwith read
Just the grants, allowing indemnity for prior
gfant9 ana RESERVATIONS, thus COmpleCely reverS-
Ing Ar. SPARKS decision. This decision was man.
datory upon Commissioner Sparks, but instead Of
complying with II the Commissioner withheld
action upon the grant, and instead prepared q
letter 20 the Secretary In which he asked for re-
view Of his (the 6ecretarys) dectaion In the case
with view 70 It's reversal In other words, hi
asked the eecsetary to reverse himself, and gave
Secretary reviewed In the letter putiished above.
ooAAnmoN1R sPAx1 - slcK AND DECLINES n
TALK ABOUT TEE L1ITBR
Commissioner sparks 10 sick in bed ct the Ebbit1
Housa. A 6rA1 reporter called ON him this morn
Ing. he said he was suffering nom chills and
tgvee. he had hoped to b out to-day. butwas MOI
eDle 70 aeave h1s oed He would say nothing aooul
0ocrotafy LamarS letter, he said, unt1l he was up
which hs hoped would b By Monday.